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Daily Radiogram

December 2008

VOLUME 23 NO. 236, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31, 2008

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Workforce Training: An idea that really took hold in Dayton, workforce training, is now gaining the attention of the state. Recently John Otto was asked to speak at a meeting on education, where he was given a forum on workforce training, what used to be called vocational training. Representative John Otto said he has been contacted by the Texas Association of Manufacturers expressing their support of workforce training for their companies. Mr. Otto said manufacturers are looking for a trained work force, not necessarily college educated workers.

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Closed for the Holiday: Banks, post offices as well as city and county offices will be closed Thursday for the New Years holiday. All will reopen regular hours on Friday.

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D-TV: Less than two months to go before television signals, mandated by federal law, will go from analog to digital. For subscribers of cable or satellite services, or for those who have new digital TV sets, there will be no change. For consumers that get their TV with an antenna, a digital converter box is required to make that new digital signal compatible with an analog television set. The government is offering 2 coupons per household to help cover the cost of the digital converter boxes. To get a $40 coupon go to www.dtv2009.gov. Remember it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get the coupon, and supplies of both coupons and boxes are running low. The change to digital comes February 17th.

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BBB Mixer: The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas is hosting a BBB Morning Mixer at FLNB – Liberty, January 8th from 7:30 am to 9 AM. It’s an opportunity to network with other business leaders in the area and learn more about the Better Business Bureau. For information call 409 835 5951 ext. 117.

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Funerals: Eolin Finklea Bowles, 89. Services 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Liberty.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.03 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 235, TUESDAY, DEC. 30, 2008

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New Years Eve Rides: If tomorrow night, you find you’ve had too much to drink, and are without a designated driver, call the Liberty Police Department, Dayton Police Department or the Liberty County Sheriffs Department for a safe ride home. Once you’re behind the wheel, it’s too late. The number for the Liberty Police is 936 336 5666, for Dayton PD call 258 7621 or in the county, the sheriffs department number is 936 336 4500.

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MLK Jr. Celebration: The Liberty County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will hold their 11th annual celebration on January 17th at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend. It will be held at Trinity Valley Baptist Church, 801 Sam Houston in Liberty. Special awards will be given to five outstanding Liberty County citizens for their service to the community. This year’s theme is “The Dream – from Selma, Alabama to Washington, D.C.”. For information call 936 336 7393.

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Deer Hunter: A Splendora man, 53 year old Orville Welch, was found dead in his deer stand last Friday after friends he was hunting with on the hunting lease became concerned when he did not return. Corp. Hugh Bishop with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department said there was no sign of foul play and the death appears to have been by natural causes. The property was near State Highway 105 in north Liberty County.

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Fireworks: A tradition in Texas is fireworks on the New Year holiday, however, remember it is illegal to ignite, or sell fireworks inside the incorporated cities of Cleveland, Dayton and Liberty. Violations can result in fines. In the county, there is no ban on fireworks.

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Dayton Fish/Oyster Fry: The Dayton Athletic Booster Club is holding their very first oyster and fish fry dinner Saturday January 10th from 5 to 7:30 at Woodrow Wilson Junior High on Highway 146. Tickets are $17 for the meal, dessert and drink. ****************************************************

Funerals: John “Pedo” Fregia, 76 of Batson. Services tomorrow at 2 p.m. at New Life Assembly of God Church of Batson. Lawrence “Chief” LaBove, 83 of Raywood. Services Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raywood.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.48 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 234, MONDAY, DEC. 29, 2008

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HB #2: Drafted by State Rep. John Otto of Dayton, House Bill #2 addresses property appraisal reform. According to Mr. Otto, currently property taxes in Texas account for nearly 18 % of an average house payment. The Dayton republican, who serves as Chairman of the Texas House Interim Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal, said 8 public meetings were held around the sate over the past year to solicit public input. Following those meetings, an appraisal reform package was formulated, from which the proposed legislation, House Bill #2, a priority bill, is being drafted.

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DCDC: The Dayton Community Development Corporation, the economic arm of the City of Dayton earlier this month offered the executive directors position to Regina Lindsey of Silsbee. Yesterday, Bill Fox, Vice President of the DCDC board said Mrs. Lindsey, Economic Director for Silsbee, declined the offer and they are now back searching for a director.

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FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding Texas homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages from Hurricane Ike, there are just two more weeks to register with FEMA for disaster assistance. The deadline is January 12th and Texans are urged to register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA, or on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov. January 12th is also the deadline to apply for a Small Business Administration loan.

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Postal Shipping Rates: The increase in cost of a first class stamp will come in May, however, the U.S. Postal service says the price of shipping packages will increase January 18th. There will be an overall increase of an average of 5%. Postal service officials say the increase is competitive with other shipping industry companies like UPS. The postal service is adding a new service called commercial plus, this service is aimed at high volume express mail and priority mail customers with average pricing that is 14 % less than the retail price for express and 7 % under the retail average for priority mailing.

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Funerals: James Raymond “Jim” Barker, Jr., 79 of Moss Hill, formerly of Liberty. Services tomorrow at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Liberty.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.27 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 233, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24, 2008

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Commissioners: Liberty County Commissioners yesterday approved, in a 3-2 vote to waive the 90 - day waiting period before a new employee of the county is eligible for health insurance. Terri Hughes has been a member of the Liberty Chambers Co. Narcotics Task force for 10 years, paid through Chambers County. Terri Hughes will now be working in Liberty County as an investigator with the DA’s office. In other action, commissioners declared January 9th as Ike Hines day in Liberty County. The Cleveland police chief is retiring after 31 years of service to Cleveland.

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New Top Ranger: Former Liberty County Texas Ranger Tony Leal has been named Commander of the Texas Rangers, one of the most elite crime fighting forces in the country. 44 years old, Tony Leal was Sgt. Ranger in Liberty County some ten years ago. He is a 24-year veteran of the DPS. Interim DPS Director Stanley E. Clark said Tony is not only the first Hispanic to earn the command, but also the youngest Texas Ranger division head ever. He began his career with the Department of Public Safety in 1984 as a trooper and was promoted to ranger in 1994.

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Find Santa: Our third Find Santa winner of the year took home $160 in Christmas cash. Cindy Davie successfully found Santa Claus shopping for holiday gifts at Clayton Homes of Liberty.

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Holiday Programming: Holiday programming begins this evening and continues through Christmas Day. There will be many stories of the season and special presentations. The traditional presentation of the program “Prince of Peace” by Concordia College will air at 8:30 a.m. Christmas morning. That will be followed by the beautiful musical celebration pre-recorded at First Baptist in Liberty. Christmas afternoon at 1 p.m. we broadcast the Christmas program recorded at 1st United Methodist in Liberty. At 7 p.m. the long running tradition, our annual presentation of Handel’s “Messiah”.

Governors Appointment: Texas Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Chambers County Attorney Cheryl Lieck to take over the duties of District Attorney of that county effective January 1st. We reported some time ago, Ms Lieck had submitted her name for consideration of that appointment. Mike Little who has long served both counties as D.A. will become district attorney for Liberty County only. Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said his county commissioners are left with the duty of appointing a new county attorney. He asks anyone interested to call his office at 409 267 8295. He admitted it was short notice, but commissioners were only notified of the governor’s decision on Monday. Commissioners will meet Friday Jan. 2nd to select a new county attorney.

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Pete Mayes is Dead: Local blues legend Pete Mayes died last Tuesday at the age of 70. A blues musician with a national reputation, Pete had to fight health issues for a long time. He was only 16 when blues legend T-bone Walker pulled him on stage to perform for the first time. For many years he was a featured performer at Liberty Jubilee. A wake for Pete Mayes will be held in Houston January 8th.

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Closed For Holidays: The Liberty County Courthouse and all city offices in Liberty will be closed tomorrow through Friday of this week. In Dayton, the Dayton municipal offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday but will reopen for regular hours on Friday. Garbage service will not run on Thursday – Christmas day – only. Banks and post offices will be closed all day Thursday, many local banks and a few post offices will be closing early on Christmas Eve.

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St. Stephen’s Mass: The public is invited to a presentation of Franz Peter Schubert’s “German Mass” tomorrow night at St. Stephens Episcopal Church on Trinity St. in Liberty. The Christmas Eve services will begin at 11 p.m.

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Funerals: Melvin G. “Pete” Zylks, Sr., 76 of Dayton. Local services today at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Liberty. Jose Chavez Lopez, 701 of Liberty. Services Saturday at 10 a.m. at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.70 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 231, MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2008

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Dayton Broncos: The Dayton Broncos’ amazing football season came to an end Saturday in the high scoring Division II 4-A state title game against the Sulphur Springs Wildcats. The Wildcats earned the championship in an exciting 69-49 shoot out not decided until well into the fourth quarter. The Broncos finished the season 13-2. Their only other loss was to the Friendswood Mustangs, who lost in the Division I 4-A semi-final to Division I repeat state champions, Lake Travis. Dayton’s last 3 losses were to two state champs and a semi-finalist. Congratulations to the Dayton Broncos for their outstanding season.

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Pedestrian Killed: An auto-pedestrian accident Friday claimed the life of a 35-year-old Liberty woman. Liberty police said Margaret Thain died when she was struck by a van around 6 p.m. Friday while attempting to cross Highway 90 near the River Bend Campground. An autopsy was ordered, and police continue to investigate. No other injuries were reported.

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Horses Seized: Eight horses have been seized in a joint effort between Precinct 2 Constable Russell Pierce’s Office and the Houston S.P.C.A. According to Constable Pierce, the horses had not been fed or watered for several months. The animals were kept on land along C.R. 190, ¾ of a mile north of Highway 90. The eight horses have been removed, and a seizure hearing is set for January 6 to determine the final disposition of the equine.

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Recycling: The City of Liberty, in cooperation with Waste Management, is exploring the option or curbside recycling for city residents. Called Single Source Recycling, the service would allow most all recyclable materials be put in one container.

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Funerals: Margaret Thain, 35, of Liberty. Service 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hill Side Cemetery on S.H. 146 in Liberty. Visitation noon to 2 Tuesday at Pace-Stancil Dayton. Alberta Maxine Lenormand, 81. Service is 1 p.m. Tuesday at Allison Funeral Home. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. today at Allison. Alice Lucille Martin, 90, of Sour Lake. Service is 2 p.m. today at Allison Funeral Service. Visitation is noon to 2 at Allison. Jay William Cranford, 43, of Channelview. Service is 2 p.m. today at Earthman Funeral Home in Baytown.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.75 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 230, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008

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Bus wreck: No children where injured yesterday morning when the bus they were riding in was hit while stopped on Hwy. 321 at Cherry Creek. Dayton Police say Ryan Robertson of Cleveland struck the bus. Mr. Robertson was cited for failure to control speed. He was taken to Liberty Dayton Community Hospital as a precaution. The bus driver, Brandy Schmidt, was not injured.

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Broncos: When the Broncos and Wildcats battle for the state championship tomorrow, the offensive units will be packing plenty of firepower. When combined, the two teams total more than 80 points per game and 900 offensive yards a game. Sulpher Springs went through the playoffs with a combined score of 218 to 137. Dayton galloped through with a combined 182 to 104. Interestingly, both teams have beaten their playoff opponents by an average of 16 points. The Division II 4-A title game is tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. For those not making the trip, KSHN will broadcast the match up live on FM 99.9 or www.kshn.com. Pre-game 1:40 p.m.

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Gifts: The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has a collection of limited edition collectors plates with depiction’s of the Liberty Bell, the bell tower as well as the cultural center. These would make great holiday gifts. The cost is $25. For information call the chamber office at 936 336 5736.

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Find Santa Winner: The second winner of this year’s Find Santa game was a big winner. With the jackpot sitting at $190, J. B. Shepherd of Liberty found the jolly old elf at Lagniappe and Hometown Florist. Keep listening, Find Santa continues through out the day Wednesday, December 24th.

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Sales Tax: While shopping for holiday gifts, remember the sales tax deduction allowed on your federal income tax. Congressman Kevin Brady said the provision that allows Texans and residents of 6 other states with out a state income tax to deduct sales tax is set to expire at the end of this year. He is hopeful however, the provision will be extended.

DCDC Offer: At Tuesday night’s board meeting of the Dayton Community Development Corporation, an offer of employment as the Executive Director of the economic development arm of the City of Dayton was made to Regina Lindsey. She is currently the Economic Development Director for the City of Silsbee. Bill Fox, Vice President of the DCDC Board, said she neither declined nor accepted the offer, rather indicated she wanted to think about it and discuss it with her family. Mr. Fox said they expect to hear from Mrs. Lindsey on her decision by Christmas, perhaps as early as Monday.

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Broncos: The most respected all state team in Texas, most would agree, is the Associated Press Sports Editor Picks, which were released Wednesday. A.J. Dugat was named as a first team all state class 4A receiver. Cody Green, much heralded Bronco Quarterback was the only other Bronco to be named to A.P. All-State and that was an honorable mention pick.

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PILOT and LISD: Tuesday night, the Liberty School Board of trustees approved a tax incentive plan to help lure the multi-million dollar company, Boomerang Tube to the City of Liberty. Both the City of Liberty and Liberty County have already approved abatements to get the manufacturer to locate at the old National Pipe and Tube. The incentive plan is approved under a program called “Payment in Lieu of Taxes”, or PILOT.

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Parade of Purple: Tomorrow morning, there will be a short pep rally at the Dayton high school gym, just before the broncos head out on their trip to San Antonio. That pep rally will be at 8:30. When the buses with broncos pull out, they will follow a route that will take them past all of the schools in the Dayton district. Friends, relatives and well wishers are welcome to join all of Dayton in this “Parade of Purple” send off.

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Bikes for Christmas: Over 1,000 bikes and trikes will go to their new owners this Friday night at the TVE. These folks need more volunteers through out the day Friday. They will begin work 9 Friday morning. Anytime you can help would be appreciated. For those that will be handing out bikes, trikes and toys, show up around 4:30. The more that can pitch in, the easier it will be for everyone.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 2,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.83 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 228, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2008

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Burglaries: Liberty Police are investigating a string of burglaries, including last night’s break in at Smart Materials on FM 563. Police Lt. Kenneth Taylor said the latest cases like most of the others, involve the theft of electronics or power tools. He said sometime overnight Monday and Tuesday, someone broke into Smart Materials. The thieves came in through a window and left with a still unknown number of lap top computers. In another burglary, the door to a portable storage building next to Mas Amigos Restaurant in Liberty was broken open, and a number of power tools, an air compressor and a generator are missing. Lt. Taylor said similar items were taken in other recent burglaries. Anyone with information on the recent rash of burglaries of commercial buildings in the City of Liberty is asked to call Liberty PD at 936 336 5666.

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Purple Pride: The Dayton Chamber of Commerce has booked a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn River Walk Motel in San Antonio this Friday night. The room rate is $119 plus tax for double beds. Call 210 224 2500 and ask for the Dayton Broncos group rate. There is also a charter bus leaving Saturday morning and returning that evening. Call the Dayton Chamber of Commerce to reserve a seat on the bus, 936 257 2393. Last one out of town, turn out the lights.

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Debris Update: So far, more than 1.16 million cubic yards of debris have been hauled off, including debris picked up from inside the cities of Liberty, Dayton and Cleveland plus the rest of Liberty County. That equals a line of debris 1 yard wide and 1 yard tall stretching from the city of Liberty to Tallahassee Florida. FEMA says it will reimburse government entities for 100 % of the work completed by late April 2009.

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Dayton City Council: The Dayton City Council met Monday night and unanimously approved hiring the Houston based firm of Brookstone Construction to build the new library and community center. The company’s bid of $7,809,900 was roughly $350,000 below the amount budgeted for the multi-purpose building construction project. City Manager David Douglas said Brookstone would now begin preparations for ground breaking in the coming year with a construction timeline predicting completion by November 2009.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.89 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 227, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2008

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Sinkhole: A letter sent to Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Branch says the Texas Railroad Commission’s tests of the injection wells around the now world-famous Daisetta sinkhole have proved inconclusive. The tests, called logging, were to help determine whether the injection wells of DeLoach Disposal were or were not responsible for causing the sinkhole. The letter says the test neither demonstrates nor excludes a connection.

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Bronco - Wildcat Quarterbacks: When the 13-1 Broncos and the 13-2 Sulpher Springs Wildcats meet Saturday afternoon, the two senior quarterbacks will likely play huge roles in the game. The sports website www.maxpreps.com says Dayton’s Q.B. Cody Green has thrown for 2,765 yards and run for another 1,457 in the Broncos’ 14 games. On the other hand, Sulpher Springs Q.B. Ty Rollison, has passed for 4,040 yards and gained another 869 on the ground during the Wildcat’s 15 game season. Those numbers give Green a 65% completion ratio to Ty Rollison’s 73 % mark.

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Global Tubing: The Dayton manufacturer Global Tubing is within days of delivering their first batch of product from their Dayton facility. Global Tubing Chairman and CEO Bob Bunch said when the company began a little over a year ago there were four people on staff. Now the company employs 21, counting the original four, and expect to have around 50 to 75 by the end of next year, with more to come after 2009.

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LISD Bus Barn Robbed: Liberty Police Detective Gary Martin said it was sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning when someone broke into the Liberty ISD bus barn by breaking the door of the women’s restroom. Captain Martin said, in addition to doing a great deal of damage, the thieves made off with a number of hand tools, electronic equipment and two computers. Anyone with information should call Liberty Police Department at 336-5666.

Go Broncos: Hallelujah!The Dayton Broncos are in the state title game after defeating the Kerrville-Tivy Antlers 31-28 Saturday in one of two state semi-final contests. The Broncos scored 10 points in the final two minutes, including the winning field goal by Cody Green as time expired. They now advance to the 4-A Division II Championship. Dayton plays the Sulphur Springs Wildcats in that match-up at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. The Wildcats beat Everman 47-34 in the other semi-final. Advance tickets for Saturday’s title game are $5 for students and $8 for adults. All tickets will be $10 at the gate. As usual, if you can’t make it, KSHN will broadcast the Dayton versus Sulphur Springs state championship contest Saturday.

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Chamber Lunch: Celebrate the Christmas season at the monthly meeting of the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon is noon Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty. The Charlie Gray Trio will provide holiday music, and Casa Don Boni will serve the food. Make reservations by calling the Chamber at 336-5736.

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TVE Officers: The Trinity Valley Exposition board met Tuesday and elected officers for 2009. TVE president is Donny Smith. Vice-president is Dave Chesser, and Carolyn Tinney is general manager. Besides electing these operational officers, the TVE board also voted to retain April Burnham as board secretary, and the treasurer continues to be Cathy Johnson. The board also set the dates for the 101st Trinity Valley Exposition. The annual livestock show, rodeo and carnival will be October 13-17, 2009.

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Find Santa: The 26th year of KSHN Radio’s “Find Santa” game rolls on weekdays as callers try to locate an elusive Saint Nick and win some holiday cash. Carla Redmon of Liberty earned the distinction of being the first “Find Santa” winner of 2008 Friday when she caught the Jolly One shopping at Just for You. Ms. Redmon won $45 for her effort. Stay tuned to KSHN weekdays through Christmas Eve for your chance at holiday fun and cash.

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Funerals: Wilfred David Riley, 89, of Alvin. Service is 2 p.m. today at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Cleveland.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.59 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 225, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2008

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SNOW!: It was an unusual sight as nearly 4 “ of snow fell in southeast Texas Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning. While there were no school cancellations, several districts across Liberty County opted to start classes late. For those from this part of the country, especially the younger ones, it was a rare treat in white that blanketed the ground. There were problems of course, the City of Liberty dealt with two separate power outages and the number of motor vehicle wrecks was way up since drivers in this area tend to be unprepared for driving snow-covered roads. Liberty Police report 7 wrecks during that period, Dayton Police report 18 wrecks.

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Fire: A home on M.L.K. Boulevard at the corner of Georgia Street was heavily damaged by fire yesterday. Liberty Fire Chief Fred Collins said the fire appears to have started in the attic area. While the damage was primarily contained to the attic and one room of the small frame home, it was extensive. Home owner Mimie Jones, was not home when the fire started.

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Wall of Fame: The deadline to nominate a former Dayton School District employee to be added to the district’s Wall of Fame is February 2009. Established in 1999, the honor goes to special educators who have contributed mightily to Dayton youth. Nominees must have a minimum of five years of service to the Dayton ISD and must either be retired or have left the district five years prior to induction. For more information, call 936-258-2667 or access the DISD website from www.kshn.com.

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Pet Adoption: The City of Liberty Animal Shelter will have a Pet Adoption day this Saturday. Instead of an adoption fee, they ask to have the pet spayed or neutered. Also, they will be taking donations to help the family of City of Liberty Animal Control Officer Tammy Shellhammer, who lost everything in a house fire. Her husband perished in that fire. The adoption day will be held in the parking lot of Media Publishing on Main at Grand in Liberty.

Former Bronco Killed: A former Dayton Bronco, Derrick Briggs, was killed, on his 31st birthday in an early morning Wednesday wreck in Harris County. Information indicates a 18-wheeler was east bound on I-10 when the driver saw a late model sedan going the wrong way on the interstate. The truck driver slammed on his breaks attempting to lessen the impact. Derrick Briggs apparently died on impact, police suspect he may have been intoxicated. We have been told the former Dayton Bronco star was expecting his first child. A family friend said Briggs’ wife is scheduled to deliver twins any day.

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Liberty City Council: The Liberty City council voted in their Tuesday night meeting to grant what is called a freeport tax exemption to Boomerang Tube LLC. The tax exemption offers abatements of inventory tax on merchandise to be shipped out of state. Boomerang Tube, LLC, as reported is the company considering locating a facility in the old pipe and tube building in Liberty.

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Dayton School Board: Tuesday night, the Dayton School Board named Richard Ressler as the new assistant principal for Richter Elementary school. Ressler has been teaching 6th grade at Dayton for the past 6 years, and is a 1998 graduate of Dayton High School. Richard Ressler will begin his duties in January. Lynn Sturrock is the Richter principal.

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Find Santa: The very popular “Find Santa” game is back on KSHN today. When the announcer says its time the play, the numbered caller he asks for will get a chance to track down St. Nick. The player will guess at which one of our sponsors the jolly old elf is shopping that hour. The jackpot starts at $5 and grows by five each time we play until we have a winner.

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Refuge: Three months after Ike ravaged the upper Texas coast, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge will reopen portions of the facility for public access and hunting on Saturday. Portions of the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is already open for public access.

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Funerals: Elbert J. Messer, 79. Services will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. at First United Pentecostal Church of Saratoga.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.28 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 223, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, 2008

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Hospital: A resolution passed Monday night at the board meeting of the Liberty County Hospital District allows for the district, Liberty County, Frontier Health Care – owners of the Liberty Dayton Community Hospital and TI Group, proposed buyers of the hospital to work together. First step is a study on the feasibility of renovating a portion of the county owned old Wal-mart building into a new 25-bed critical access hospital. The arrangement allows for the county to carry the cost of renovation and then the hospital district to lease the facility from the county. In their lease agreement the hospital district, would over time, reimburse the county for its expenses. Once a new hospital is ready, the new TI group would sublease the facility from the hospital district. The county’s participation is subject to approval by county commissioners.

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Commissioners: Liberty Co. Commissioners unanimously approved the gift of his office chair to retiring County Attorney Jack Hartel. County Judge Phil Fitzgerald said the retiring veteran county official had never asked for anything personally, except for a longevity pay increase, which he did not get, and his chair. With commissioner’s approval, Jack Hartel leaves office the last day of this month, with his chair.

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Christmas Festival: The North Main Baptist church is holding a free outdoor Christmas festival from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Held on the church’s grounds on far North Main St. in Liberty, “Christmas under the Stars” features a wide range of activities from a light show set to music to a live nativity scene. Everyone is invited to this family friendly festival that celebrates the birth of Christ.

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Hartel Reception: A public reception to honor Liberty County Attorney, A.J. “Jack” Hartel is Friday at 3 p.m. in the 75th district courtroom. Jack Hartel will retire on December 31st after 44 years of service, making him the longest serving elected county official in the history of Liberty County.

Bronco Fever: The Broncos head to Georgetown this Saturday for their match up with the Kerrville-Tivy Antlers, the last game before one of the two teams heads for the state championship game. The Dayton Chamber of Commerce has arranged for charter buses to travel to the Saturday game, before returning Saturday evening. Bus tickets are $30 and available at the Dayton and Liberty Dayton Area Chambers, Thriftee Food Center, Dayton and Liberty as well as the Dayton ISD Administration Building. The bus ticket includes the round trip travel and a tailgate lunch at Georgetown. It does not include a game ticket. Those are on sale at the administration building, and both Chamber offices. For information on the charter bus, call the Dayton Chamber at 936 257 2393.

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Update: In October we reported the Cleveland Police Department was investigating the death of a one-year-old child. According to Cleveland Police Detective Jim Cooper, the investigation is awaiting the outcome of an autopsy in Harris County. He said those reports are very detailed and can take a lot of time. Once the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office has ruled on the cause of death, the investigation can move forward.

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Safe Heating: The National Weather Service is predicting the coldest temperatures of the year so far tomorrow night. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to around freezing. The Liberty Fire Department is reminding folks that use space heaters to use extra caution, making sure they do not come in contact with any flammable materials. Authorities say it is also very important to make sure all smoke detectors have batteries and are working properly.

Bronco Fever: The Broncos head to Georgetown this Saturday for their match up with the Kerrville-Tivy Antlers, the last game before one of the two teams heads for the state championship game. The Dayton Chamber of Commerce has arranged for charter buses to travel to the Saturday game, before returning Saturday evening. Bus tickets are $30 and available at the Dayton and Liberty Dayton Area Chambers, Thriftee Food Center, Dayton and Liberty as well as the Dayton ISD Administration Building. The bus ticket includes the round trip travel and a tailgate lunch at Georgetown. It does not include a game ticket. Those are on sale at the administration building, and both Chamber offices. For information on the charter bus, call the Dayton Chamber at 936 257 2393.

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Update: In October we reported the Cleveland Police Department was investigating the death of a one-year-old child. According to Cleveland Police Detective Jim Cooper, the investigation is awaiting the outcome of an autopsy in Harris County. He said those reports are very detailed and can take a lot of time. Once the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office has ruled on the cause of death, the investigation can move forward.

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Safe Heating: The National Weather Service is predicting the coldest temperatures of the year so far tomorrow night. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to around freezing. The Liberty Fire Department is reminding folks that use space heaters to use extra caution, making sure they do not come in contact with any flammable materials. Authorities say it is also very important to make sure all smoke detectors have batteries and are working properly.

Liberty Fire: A major commercial fire in the city: A major commercial fire in the city of Liberty Sunday morning caused heavy damage to four local offices and shops plus less serious damage to two others. The small strip shopping center in the 1900 block of North Main also sustained electrical damage to all six businesses in the structure. Liberty Fire Chief Fred Collins said the cause of the fire was apparently accidental. A small neon sign appears to be the culprit.

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DCDC: Dayton Community Development Corporation may have a new executive director tomorrow night. The DCDC board will meet in executive session beginning at 6:30 p.m. to discuss three finalists, Steve Booser of Beaumont, Regina Lindsey of Silsbee and Wayne Boling of Marble Falls. All three are said to have extensive experience in the economic development field.

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Bronco Football: The Dayton Broncos defeated the Brenham Cubs 42-21 Saturday to advance to the state semi-finals. It is the second year in row that the Broncos have advanced that far in 4-A state playoffs. Dayton will now play the Kerrville-Tivy Antlers at 2 p.m. Saturday at Georgetown Eagle Stadium. Advance tickets are $3 for students and $7 for adults. All tickets at the gate are $8. KSHN will broadcast the game live.

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FEMA Deadline: There are only four days left to register with FEMA for disaster assistance. In addition, the Disaster Recovery Center in Liberty will cease operations on Wednesday. It is the only FEMA location remaining in Liberty County. To register for FEMA assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA or go to www.kshn.com and click on the FEMA logo.

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Fun Run: Bridgehaven Children’s Advocacy Center in Dayton serves children in Liberty and Chambers counties who have been the victim of abuse and/or neglect. The group is funded through grants, donations and fund-raising events. One of those fund-raisers is planned for 8:30 a.m. this Saturday. Called the Jingle Bell Fun Run, it’s a mile race for kids ages kindergarten through fifth grade. For information, call Bridgehaven at 936-258-0400.

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Bikes for Christmas: Liberty County Bikes for Christmas is looking for help to assemble bikes this Saturday. Anybody, any group or organization is invited. For information, call 334-9500.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.40 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 219, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008

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Fire: Fire fighters were called out just after midnight Thursday morning to a home on Martin St. just off of Beaumont Ave. in Ames. The 14 by 60 manufactured home belonged to Earl Cormier but he said he rarely lives there. He said there were no utility hookups and he frequently lived on Baker Circle in Ames. Cormier believes the fire was intentional. Nothing was saved. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Hometown Holidays: The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Hometown Holidays event is tomorrow. The daylong holiday celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade and culminates at 7 p.m. with a fireworks display.

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Broncos: The Dayton Bronco’s are one of only 8 teams left in the class 4-A state championship hunt. They take on the Brenham Cubs tomorrow night. Kick off is at 6 p.m., our broadcast will start around 5:40. Listen live on KSHN 99.9 or online at www.kshn.com. You can listen online through our audio feed or the TeamLine link.

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Autopsy Results: Information from the Liberty County Sheriffs Department indicates the cause of death for Mr. Dwayne Schellhammer was smoke inhalation. The 43-year-old husband of City of Liberty Animal Control Officer Tammy Bishop Schellhammer died in a house fire Tuesday. Preliminary information indicates the fire started from an unattended item on the kitchen stove.

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Chamber Ballots: Liberty and Dayton Area Chamber members are urged to fill out and turn in their ballots for chamber board members. The list of nominees includes 9 from Dayton and 9 from Liberty. Chamber members are asked to vote for four from each town. In order for the vote to count, the ballot must be signed and turned back into the chamber office by noon Wednesday December 10th.

Woman Killed: The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department is investigating what appears to be a fatal accident. Around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning George Moye called the sheriff’s department saying he had accidentally hit his girlfriend, 45 year old Christine Martin, with a tractor. Deputies found Ms. Martin had been pushed into a piece of metal pipe, caught between the tractor and pipe. She was pronounced dead by Pct. #1 JP Bobby Rader. An autopsy was ordered.

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Retailers Happy: Local retailers are using words like “phenomenal”, “great”, and “wonderful”, to describe this past weekend’s start to the holiday shopping season. While retail sales predictions in other parts of the county have been dire due to the reported economic downturn, locally holiday shopping, so far at least, has easily topped last year. Ron Olson, manager of the Liberty Walmart Super Center said, from Friday through Sunday, his store saw larger crowds than at anytime in its history. At Palais Royal, manager Jayna Swarthout said their sales were up a whopping 93% over this time last year.

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Country Christmas: Tonight, in Dayton is the second installment of the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Country Christmas. The lighted parade at 6 p.m.

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Emergency Farm Loans: The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for emergency farm loans due to damages and losses caused by Hurricane Ike in September. Chambers and Liberty county ag producers are eligible to apply. The FSA is encouraging farmers to apply as soon as possible, wait too long and a backlog can develop and cause delays. Farmers who have lost 30 % of their production due to Hurricane Ike are eligible. Producers in Liberty and Chambers counties can submit the applications at the Liberty County Farm Services Agency office on the by-pass in Liberty. Their phone number is 936 336 9145.

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It’s a Wonderful Life: The Liberty High School Theater Arts Department will present the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”, this Friday, Saturday and Monday at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.

Fire Death: A home fire on CR# 142 south of Liberty off FM 563 yesterday left one man dead. According to Liberty Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hurst, firefighters were called to the doublewide manufactured home shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday. The body of Dwayne Schellhammer, 43, was discovered in the living room area of the home, which was completely destroyed. He is the husband of Tammy Bishop Schellhammer the animal control officer for the City of Liberty. The cause of the fatal fire is under investigation.

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Burglaries: Liberty Police are investigating a rash of burglaries. Lt. Kenneth Taylor said four businesses and a residence have been burglarized since last Wednesday. Police believe several of them may be related and they are following up on some solid leads, including footprints and fingerprints left behind by the crooks. Lt. Taylor said take precautions to guard against burglaries including securing their property and locking doors and windows. He also suggested motion sensor lighting and consider adding an alarm system.

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Dayton City Council: Monday night, Dayton City Council voted 4 to 1 to make no changes on the Dayton Community Development Corporations Board of Director for a period of up to one year to allow time for a new executive director to be selected and get settled into the job. The DCDC board was set to interview 3 finalist yesterday for the executive director position.

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Texas Monthly: The statewide publication “Texas Monthly” gave a tip of the hat to a local business in their December issue. Billed as one of the states top 40 small town café’s Simply Country Café in Moss Hill is praised for their homey atmosphere and chicken fried steak.

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FEMA Registration: The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ike is coming up December 12th.

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Hometown Holidays: The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Hometown Holidays is Saturday with a parade kicking off the festivities at 10 a.m. and a fireworks display that evening at 7 p.m. For information call 257 2393.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.52 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 217, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008

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Car vs. Cow: DPS Trooper Jonathan Oduwole said a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Daniel Carter of Deer Park struck a cow on FM 1960 around 1:45 Sunday morning. The driver was not hurt, but his passenger, Vanessa Zizmar, 25, of Friendswood sustained spinal injuries and was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. At last report, she was listed in critical condition. Trooper Oduwole said no citations were issued but officials are looking for the owner of the now-dead cow.

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Storm Scammers: It has been more than 2 months since Hurricane Ike slammed into Texas, but swindlers continue to operate. According to state and federal disaster officials there are three common scams to watch out for. They are phony contractors soliciting work, bogus pleas for post-disaster donations and fake offers to help victims get state or federal aid. If you suspect unscrupulous activities, call the FEMA fraud hot line at 1-866-720-5721 or the Texas Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-621-0508.

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Mail to Military: Those sending gifts to military personnel need to get busy if presents are to arrive in time for Christmas. According to information from the U. S. Postal Service Web Site parcels sent by airlift to military zip codes – except 093, that deadline has passed - must be in the mail by Thursday. So do packages going to zip 093 by express, first-class or priority mail. Other military zip codes have a Dec. 11th deadline for priority and first-class, Dec. 18th for express mailing.

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Bronco QB: Dayton Bronco Quarterback Cody Green has been named “Player of the Week” by a local newspaper. No surprise there, he was responsible for 373 yards of offense and three touchdowns in Dayton’s 28- 13 win over Rosenberg Terry last Saturday. Next the Broncos face Brenham Saturday night at 6 at Katy Rhodes Stadium off I-10 west of Houston.

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Country Christmas: The Liberty- Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce presents Country Christmas tonight in Liberty and Thursday in Dayton starting with the parade at 6 each night.

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Funerals: David John Barry, 71, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS - LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.52 ASL*

VOLUME 23 NO. 216, MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008

Robbery: Liberty police are looking for the person who broke into Milam Discount Tire on Highway 90 early Saturday morning. The thief stole a valuable rifle intended to raise money for kids this Christmas. Anyone with information should phone Liberty police at 936-336-5666.

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Fatality Wreck: A near head-on collision on Highway 146 North of Moss Hill Friday night left two men dead and a woman critically injured. DPS Trooper Chad Blackburn said both James Edward “Jamie” Williams Jr., 31, of Moss Hill and Pedro Miguel Martinez, 40, of Pasadena were killed in the two-vehicle wreck. Yolanda Vargas, age 45, suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Officials say alcohol may have been a factor. Blood samples were drawn from both men.

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Country Christmas: The annual Liberty-Dayton Area Country Christmas Celebration is tomorrow in Liberty and Thursday in Dayton. The always-popular event in both cities will include a lighted Christmas parade, free refreshments, pictures with Santa, and wagon rides. This year’s events will also have a moon walk and a snow field. For information, call 336-5736.

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Broncos Advance: Dayton beat Rosenberg-Terry 28-13 to advance to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. The 11-1 Broncos will take on the 8-4 Brenham Cubs. The contest is Saturday at 6 p.m. at Katy Rhodes Stadium west of Houston off I-10. Tickets are on sale at the DISD administration building. Students are $3 and adults $5. All tickets are $7 at the gate.

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Medicare Part D: David Bauman, with the Beaumont office of Social Security, reminds folks the open enrollment period for those eligible for Medicare Part-D is now through December 31. Part D is the prescription drug coverage offered by Medicare. David Bauman said the average premium for the Medicare prescription drug plan is under $40 a month.

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Funerals: Bettie Sue Rawls, 64, of Dayton. Service was Sunday at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home of Dayton. James Edward “Jamie” Williams, 31, of Moss Hill. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at The Worship Center in Votaw. Visitation is 5 p.m. today, also at the church.